![To make the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, gather the following items: - 5 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup slivered almonds (toasted if possible) - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled For the Poppy Seed Dressing: - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds - Salt and pepper to taste These simple ingredients work together to create a refreshing dish. You can add your own touch to this salad. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein - Avocado slices for creaminess - Other nuts like walnuts or pecans - Mixed greens or arugula for a different base - Fresh herbs like mint or basil for extra flavor Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste! This salad is not only tasty; it's also nutritious. Here’s a brief overview: - Calories: Low in calories, making it great for light meals. - Vitamins: Spinach and strawberries pack in vitamins A and C. - Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides healthy fats for heart health. - Fiber: Fresh fruits and veggies offer fiber for digestion. For more detailed nutritional information, refer to the Full Recipe. Enjoy this delicious and healthy salad! To make the poppy seed dressing, I use a small mixing bowl. First, I whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of honey. This mix should be smooth and well-blended. Next, I add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds. Finally, I season with salt and pepper to taste. I set the dressing aside while I prepare the salad. For the salad, I take a large bowl and add 5 cups of fresh spinach leaves as the base. I love washing and drying the spinach leaves to keep them crisp. Then, I layer 2 cups of sliced strawberries on top. The bright red strawberries look amazing against the green spinach. I also add 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion for some crunch. After that, I drizzle the poppy seed dressing all over the salad. I make sure to coat the greens and fruit evenly. With salad tongs, I gently toss the salad to mix everything without bruising the spinach. For the final touch, I sprinkle 1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. This adds extra flavor and texture. I suggest serving the salad right away for the freshest taste. If you like it colder, you can chill it for about 15 minutes. This salad looks beautiful on the table, and it tastes even better. If you want to see the full recipe, check it out [Full Recipe]. To make a great strawberry spinach salad, start with fresh ingredients. Look for vibrant green spinach. It should be crisp and free from wilting. For the best strawberries, choose ones that are bright red and smell sweet. Check for firm berries with no bruises. When it comes to red onion, select a firm bulb with smooth skin. Fresh feta cheese will have a creamy texture. Look for cheese that is not overly dry. Always shop at local farmers' markets or grocery stores known for quality produce. Fresh ingredients make all the difference. One common mistake is using old spinach. Always check for freshness. Wilting leaves can ruin the salad's taste. Another mistake is heavy-handed dressing. Too much dressing can drown flavors. It’s best to start with a little and add more if needed. Be careful when tossing the salad. Tossing too hard can bruise the spinach. This can make your salad look sad. Lastly, avoid pre-slicing strawberries too early. They can become mushy and lose their freshness. Gently toss your salad for the best results. Use salad tongs or your hands to combine the ingredients. Start with the spinach as your base. Add the strawberries and onion on top. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing evenly over the salad. When tossing, use a light hand. Lift the salad from the bottom and fold it over. This helps to coat the greens without bruising them. Finish by adding the toasted almonds and feta on top. Toss lightly just before serving for the freshest flavor. For the full recipe, refer to the recipe section. {{image_2}} You can switch up this salad with seasonal fruits. In summer, add peaches or blueberries for a fruity twist. In fall, try apples or pears for a crisp bite. Each fruit adds its own flavor, making the salad fresh and exciting. You can also mix in seasonal veggies like cucumbers in summer or roasted butternut squash in fall. This keeps your salad vibrant all year round. While the poppy seed dressing shines, feel free to experiment. A balsamic vinaigrette offers a tangy kick. A honey mustard dressing brings sweetness and a bit of spice. You might also enjoy a creamy yogurt dressing for a richer taste. Each dressing changes the whole salad vibe, so have fun with it! If you need a dairy-free option, skip the feta and use avocado instead. For nut allergies, swap the slivered almonds for pumpkin seeds. You can also make the dressing vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey. These changes keep the salad tasty while meeting special dietary needs. Enjoy making it your own! To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh longer. If you have dressing left, store it separately. Adding dressing can make the salad soggy. Use a container that seals tightly to avoid spills. For fresh ingredients, wash and dry spinach before storage. Keep strawberries in their container to avoid bruising. Place red onion in a cool, dark place. Almonds should stay in a sealed bag to stay crunchy. Feta cheese can last longer if you keep it in its brine. This salad stays good in the fridge for about 2 days. After that, the spinach may wilt and the strawberries can spoil. If you store the dressing separately, it can last up to a week. Enjoy this Strawberry Spinach Delight for maximum freshness, or check the Full Recipe for more tips! Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time. Just mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds in a bowl. Store it in a jar with a lid. Keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Before using, shake it well to mix the ingredients again. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. If you don’t have feta cheese, don’t worry. You can use goat cheese for a tangy taste. Creamy ricotta is a milder choice. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast. Each of these adds a nice flavor and texture to your salad. Absolutely! Adding protein makes the salad more filling. Grilled chicken is a great choice. You can also add shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Hard-boiled eggs add a creamy touch. Try any of these for a tasty twist on your salad. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the details above. This blog post covered the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making a salad with poppy seed dressing. You learned how to prepare the dressing, assemble the salad, and serve it beautifully. I shared helpful tips for fresh ingredients and common mistakes to avoid. Don’t forget the variations and storage tips to keep your salad fresh. Remember, creative choices can make your salad special. Enjoy making this dish your own, and feel free to explore different flavors!](https://savoryspiral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6498f5b7-8b0d-4e67-b349-cf78f49cbb04-250x250.webp)
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Fresh and vibrant, this Strawberry Spinach Delight is the perfect addition to your table! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delicious salad featuring crisp spinach, juicy strawberries, zesty red onion, and crunchy almonds, all drizzled with a homemade poppy seed dressing. Elevate your meals with this healthy, colorful dish that’s sure to impress.